Walking Rome Tour | When in Rome Visit the Jewish Quarter

The Rome historic Jewish Quarter houses one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe and the longest, uninterrupted, existing Jewish community in the world.

Although Rome is home to the Pope Jews have been in Rome longer than Christians, as the first Jewish community of Rome goes back to the 2nd century BC. The Jewish Ghetto in Rome is located in the rione Sant’Angelo, in the area surrounded by today’s Via del Portico d’ Ottavia, an ancient Rome structure built by emperor Augustus in the name of his sister Octavia and close to the enchanting Tiber island and the ancient Theater of Marcellus. Since the medieval era the Porticus was used as a fish market which lasted up to the end of 19th century and this role is remembered by the name of the 8th century annexed church: Sant’Angelo in Pescheria or St. Angelus in the Fish Market. To learn more you can visit Nancy Aiello Tours’ Jewish Rome Tour.

Rome’s Jewish Ghetto was the last remaining ghetto in Western Europe and it is now one of the most charming and eclectic neighborhoods in Rome with typical restaurants serving up some of the best traditional Roman cuisine in Rome. Only in the Rome Jewish quarter you are able to find and taste the traditional Roman Jewish cuisine including Carciofi alla Giudia, Jewish fried artichokes, fresh seafood and kosher pizza.

Beside its delicious Kosher food the the tour of the Jewish Ghetto in Rome offers one of the most amazing walks through the maze of old and famous ruins of ancient Rome, medieval churches, renaissance and baroque squares and palaces, all blended within walking distance. During your Jewish Ghetto walk visit the Great Synagogue and Jewish Museums of Rome overlooking the Ghetto, built in a very eclectic style between 1901 and 1904. The dome of the Synagogue is the only squared dome in the Eternal City of Rome and makes the building easily identifiable even from a distance. When in Rome if you wish to visit the Great Synagogue and the Jewish Museum avoid Saturdays when both are closed.

Ancient Rome and Medieval Rome Sights from the Jewish Ghetto

Best Kosher food in the Rome’s Jewish Ghetto | Where to sample the best Jewish food in Rome

Roman Jewish Traditional Food in the Rome Jewish Ghetto

Giggetto al Portico di Ottavia | Euro 40 |

Tucked behind the ancient Portico d’Ottavia, here you’ll feel like if you were eating in ancient Rome with the Teatro di Marcello in sight. Giggetto serves good Roman and Jewish cooking in a friendly setting. Best bets are Jewish-style artichokes, fried cod filets, chicory shoots with anchovy sauce (puntarelle) and stuffed zucchini flowers. Book in advance if you want a table just off the ancient Porticus of Ottavia.

Taverna del Ghetto Kosher | Euro 40 |

This restaurant located in the heart of the Jewish ghetto serves Kosher only genuine Jewish Roman dishes, under the supervision of the Rabbinical Office of Rome. Best bets are Jewish-style artichokes, homemade pasta, anchovies with endive and lamb.

Yotvata | Euro 30 |

This very nice and elegant restaurant facing the the 16th century Palazzo Cenci, built on the remains of a medieval castle that rose from the ruins of a Roman circus, serves excellent kosher Roman Jewish dishes like spaghetti with bottarga (salted roe), blue fish with endive and focaccia with zucchini marinade. The cuisine based on organic products is prepared under the supervision of the Rabbinical Office of Rome.

Piperno | Euro 55 |

This restaurant was established in 1860 and it is probably one of the best and most elegant jewish restaurants around the Rome’s Ghetto. Beside traditional jewish dishes here you’ll find also authentic roman dishes like tripe, tail and pajama together with a first class wine list. During summer time reserve a table in the lovely outdoor garden.

Sora Margherita | Euro 20 No Credit Card | Piazza delle Cinque Scole 30 |

No signs but you’ll probably find this small and unpretentious restaurant because of the waiting lines of people outside the restaurant waiting to taste amazing homemade pasta and traditional roman jewish dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients and what is available from the nearby Campo dè Fiori market.

Ba” Ghetto | Euro 35 |

This elegant Kosher restaurant located in the heart of the Jewish quarter serves not only traditional Roman Jewish dishes but also middle east delicacies like cous cous, falafel and hummus. Very good wine list and friendly service. A cheaper alternative to the Ba” Ghetto could be found at its sister restaurant the Oriental Food Kosher located near Piazza Bologna, a sort of Kosher fast food offering a very wide selection of Mediterranean, Middle-Eastern and Israeli dishes.

Summer Time in the Jewish Ghetto | Delicious Fried Artichokes at Giggetto al Portico

Want to test your skills and prepare at home Jewish-style artichokes?

Here the Jewish Artichoke Recipe by Giggetto al Portico d’Ottavia

Alle gazn gehen tzu Rom | Yiddish

Kol ha-drachim movilot le-Roma | Hebrew

All roads lead to Rome | English

Tutte le strade portano a Roma | Italian

Would you like to share your Italy travel tips or pictures with us? Please write us your comment and we will be happy to post it! Buon Viaggio!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

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© Copyright 2009, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours, based in Rome, specializes in Tailor-Made Private Guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers.

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Portico d'Ottavia in Rome | Former Rome's Fish Market

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Summer in Rome: Get your Grattachecca!

When in Rome the best way to beat the heat is to enjoy a colorful and refreshing grattachecca. Romans know that one of the best remedies against the August heat is a tasty grattachecca. It is a blend of hand shaven ice and fruit syrup. The name derives from the combination of  “grattare” to crush and “checca”, a roman dialect word which once was used to identify the big ice block used to keep the food cool before refrigerator was invented.  It is a great way to cool down if you are walking all over the city while being hot and humid. While walking the streets of Rome spoil yourself with a grattachecca and soak up the lively Roman atmosphere.

As for gelato ice creams for your grattachecca you and your kids can choose different fruity flavors such as lemon, coconut, watermelon and even passion fruit, and often you will also have a piece or two of the actual fruit thrown in, so this is a great way of staying hydrated during your roman holidays.

Today I had Lime and Orange cross the Tiber Island!

Very few stalls in Rome still prepare grattachecca today, following the traditional method, among them the oldest and most famous is the Fonte d’Oro in Trastevere (Piazza Belli), is very convenient when you are done with the Basilica of St. Mary in Trastevere and the popular Trastevere quarter! Not far from there in front of Ponte Cestio is the Sora Mirella (Lungotevere degli Anguillara) which has shaved the ice manually since 1915 and from where you will enjoy the magnificent Tiber Island! There are also Sora Maria (Via Trionfale), La Grattachecca just across the famous Milvio Bridge, and Il Chiosco in the popular Testaccio quarter.

Another Busy Day at Sora Mirella!

According to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grattachecca) the history of the grattachecca is said to be dated back to Ancient Roman times by the emperor Quintus Fabius Maximus which would go to mount Terminillo, which is about 100 kilometers from the capital, in the Apennines and brought back ice from there. Quintus Fabius Maximus wanted this ice to be flavored with sweet syrups and sold by the thermopolia, which were ancient kiosks that sold both hot and cold beverages.

When in Rome do not miss la Grattachecca and follow the latest news about grattachecca on Facebook

Ciao from Rome

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

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© Copyright 2010, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in private family oriented Rome and Vatican tours led by friendly and entertaining official Rome tour guides designed to satisfy the curiosity and attention spans of the whole family visiting Rome.

New articles are published on our site weekly, sometimes daily. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for ItalyTravelista free RSS feed.

If interested in publishing a version of this article please contact Nancy Aiello Tours.
Tour Italy at Your Own Pace with Nancy Aiello Tours

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When in Rome: Enjoy Roman Food in a Traditional Trattoria

When in Rome eat as the Romans do!

Da Armando al Pantheon
Definitely one of my favorite Trattorie in Rome. Friendly, Tasty & centrally Located.
Excellent Traditional Roman Food!
Best Bet: Pasta alla Gricia
Price Range: Euro 30-35€ Wine not included
Gambero Rosso 2009 Comment: Excellent Value!

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Dal Cavalier Gino | Vicolo Rosini 4
Old Style Trattoria a short walk from the Parliament. A great place to sample hearty Roman Food in a pleasant atmosphere. Check the day’s specials chalked up at the entrance No Credit Cards!
Best Bet: Pasta with Salsiccia and Zucchini Flowers
Price Range: Euro 25-30€ Wine not included
Gambero Rosso 2009 Comment: N/A

Felice
Excellent traditional Trattoria located in the Testaccio area. Here you can taste the traditional Roman food of a by-gone era. No fancy recipes but simple & tasty dishes including oxtail, tripe and baby lamb.
Best Bet: Rigatoni all’Amatriciana
Price Range: Euro 30-35€ Wine not included
Gambero Rosso 2009 Comment: N/A

Matricianella
Another tasty Trattoria located in the Parliament area. Here you can try not only Roman favorite dishes but also a wide range of delicacies from around Italy. Good selection of wines. Due to its location and quality you’ll meet here more tourists than Italians!
Best Bet: Puntarelle with anchovies sauce
Price Range: Euro 35€ Wine not included
Gambero Rosso 2009 Comment: Good Value

Rome best trattorias | Testaccio Foodies Tour | Felice Daily Changing Menu

Nè Arte nè Parte | Via Luca della Robbia 15
Lovely Trattoria in the Testaccio Area. Run by two Roman Actors, it’s a Great Place although lately prices have gone up a bit. Service is friendly but attentive and food always very fresh.
Best Bet: All you can eat appetizer
Price Range: Euro 25-30€ Wine not included
Gambero Rosso 2009 Comment: Good Value

Osteria dell’Angelo | Via Bettolo 24
Located not far from the Vatican Museums Angelo is a local institution in the Prati area. A former rugby player he has been in business for over 20 years with excellent results. Come for lunch for a quick bite or for dinner to taste the four courses Fixed Price Menu. No Credit Cards!
Best Bet: Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe
Price Range: Euro 25€ Wine not included
Gambero Rosso 2009 Comment: N/A

Osteria del Velodromo Vecchio | Via Genzano 139
In the Appio area you’ll find this historical Roman Trattoria, considered one of the best in Roma, worth the Taxi ride. Short but very good wine list and authentic food! The service is caring and attentive. Check the old canvas on the walls!
Best Bet: Anchovies with Indivia Salad
Price Range: Euro 28-32€ Wine not included
Gambero Rosso 2009 Comment: Extremely Good Value

Pommidoro | Piazza dei Sanniti 44
Located in the San Lorenzo quarter this is another traditional trattoria serving good home-style Roman fares at premium prices. The environment dates back to the ’60 when most of the customers were famous writers and actors. Roman food is delicious together with tuscan fares like wild boar and pheasant.
Best Bet: Pappardelle al Cinghiale
Price Range: Euro 35-40€ Wine not included
Gambero Rosso 2009 Comment: Good Value

Trattoria Cadorna | Via Cadorna 12
Opened in 1947 by Giovanni Todini & his wife this Family run trattoria is located not far from Via veneto. It serves classic Roman cooking with a great choice of appetizers and very well prepared dishes always served with a smile by Todini’s new generation.
Best Bet: Eggplant Parmigiana
Price Range: Euro 30-35€ Wine not included
Gambero Rosso 2009 Comment: N/A

Trattoria ai Monti
Located near St. Mary Major Basilica I can’t recommend this place enough, to sum up in one word its simply FANTASTIC! It’s very well managed with a courteous and impeccable service. Mom runs the kitchen while her 2 kids, Enrico and Daniele, run the show delighting guests with their knowledge & friendly attitude. The food here is Roman with a creative twist. Just outside the restaurant don’t miss the gorgeous Roman Arch left behind by history.
Best Bet: Chicken Potacchio Style
Price Range: Euro 35-40€ Wine not included
Gambero Rosso 2009 Rating: 72 Points

Would you like to share your Rome travel tips with us? Please write us your comment and we will be happy to post it! Buon Appetito!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

NancyAielloTours.com

ItalyTravelista.com

Join ItalyTravelista on Twitter

© Copyright 2009, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours, based in Rome, specializes in Tailor-Made Private Guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers.

New articles are published on our site weekly, sometimes daily. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for our free RSS feed.

If you are interested in publishing this article please contact us for consent and info.

Best Trattorias in Rome | Enjoy Traditional Rome Food at Nè Arte Nè Parte | Testaccio Walking Rome Tour

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